7 Best Weed Eaters Consumer Reports 2019 – Top Rated

Weed eaters also referred to as string trimmers, have been around for years, making garden maintenance easy for the average homeowner. Today, electric grass trimmers are becoming popular due to their environmental friendliness and compact nature. Even the gas-powered varieties are far less polluting thanks to stricter environmental regulations around the world.

FEATURES OF CORDLESS ELECTRIC STRING TRIMMERS

According to gardening experts, cordless string trimmers work best when they are used to trim and edge small lawns. Their battery lasts from fifteen to sixty minutes, depending on the particular model, although we’ve also seen the battery time is less than what the manufacturer quoted. You won’t get far if you try to tackle overgrown yards or vast acreage with these trimmers – there are only a few that are capable of handling anything more than medium duty tasks.

MODERN CORDLESS STRING TRIMMERS CHARACTERISTICS

Batteries

Rechargeable batteries for gardening tools, on an average, run between 45 and 60 minutes, so if you’re going to be handling larger projects, it is wise to keep a spare battery close at hand so you’re not stuck with waiting for the used battery to recharge.

Nickel Cadmium (Ni-cad) batteries

String trimmers running on nickel-cadmium batteries are normally the cheapest of the cordless string trimmer variety. These batteries are heavier, and they experience a reduction in performance and power as the battery goes down with use.

Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries

These are the most modern powering solution for cordless string trimmers. Li-Ion batteries come in different voltage levels – 18V, 20V, 24V, and 40V.

MODERN BATTERIES PROPERTIES

They don’t weight much

They don’t weight much – these batteries can be as much as 50% lighter than Nickel Cadmium batteries, so the string trimmer will weigh less as a whole.

They don’t reduce their power output

String trimmers running on nickel-cadmium batteries are normally the cheapest of the cordless string trimmer variety. These batteries are heavier, and they experience a reduction in performance and power as the battery goes down with use.

The number of recharges

The number of recharges you can get out of them is up to thrice as much as a comparable Nickel Cadmium battery, after which you’ll have to replace them.

TRIMMER SHAFT

Curved Shafts

String trimmers that have curved shafts are good for dealing with weed and grass in open lawns. Due to their curved design, they aren’t as good when used in tight spaces requiring maneuverability e.g. under a fence or hedge. They are generally regarded as easier to use compared to straight shaft trimmers.

Straight Shafts

String trimmers with straight shafts are much better at handling tight spaces. You can get up close to the hard to reach edges of your garden, or areas that are farther away from yourself.

Telescoping Shaft

Some models come with a telescoping shaft that you can shorten or lengthen as per your requirements.

2-in-1 Capability Shafts

Some string trimmers have 2-in-1 capability i.e. you can use them for both of the purposes described above.

TIPS FOR BUYING A CORDLESS STRING TRIMMER

POWER OUTPUT AND LONGEVITY

The period of time for which you will be able to use your cordless string trimmer depends on the battery that it runs on. If it’s a Nickel Cadmium battery, then it will require more frequent recharges, and will also have smaller battery life. Even worse, you’ll experience a drop in the performance of the string trimmer as the battery runs low. On the other hand, cordless string trimmers running on Lithium-Ion batteries will last longer each run, require fewer recharges and will have longer overall battery life. They will also perform consistently throughout the battery’s discharge cycle.

WEIGHT

Choose a string trimmer that is both light and strong – since you’ll be dealing with bush and rock that could otherwise damage it. Beyond that, the weight of the string trimmer is largely dependent on the battery type. Nickel Cadmium batteries are heavier than Lithium Ion batteries.

DESIGN

If you will be working mostly in open spaces, a curved shaft string trimmer is recommended – it easier to use and more ergonomic. A straight shaft trimmer is only recommended if you will be sticking to smaller, tighter lawns with lots of hard to reach corners. If you aren’t sure as to where you will be using your string trimmer, go for a 2-in-1 solution that gives you the freedom of choice of using both design styles.

COST

The initial cost of the cordless string trimmer depends on the battery and the quality of the build materials. Ideally, you should scrimp on neither, since the battery determines the overall performance of the device while the build quality determines how long it will last you. Even so, if you are tight on cash, you do have some options in the battery department – go for a lower rated Nickel Cadmium battery if you must, but remember all the disadvantages it comes with, which have been described above.

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